Anyone else waiting for a Nikon Z (CROP SENSOR) camera that replaces the D500?

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James C.

James C.

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I've been watching a LOT of Nikon Z8 reviews in the past few days, and I am glad to see that a lot of the Z9 functionality is there in a slightly smaller/lighter/less expensive form factor.
However, I was hoping for a mirrorless APS-C (i.e., crop sensor) camera. A successor, specifically, to the tried and true bird photographer's camera, the D500.

Yes, I know that the Z9 has a DX mode, but not being someone who can afford a $15,000+, 600mm + 1.4TC lens, I need a camera that can help me get 750mm compositional reach with my 500mm PF lens, right out of the gate. (Plus, $4,000 for a new camera body is still a little bit steep for me.)

Anyone else here hoping/waiting for a D500 mirrorless successor? And if so, do you think it will come out within the next two years?
 
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No — and I owned a D500.
NO - not in the next 2 years, unless Sony semiconductors produce a DX sized sensor equivalent to the Z9 with 30mp. Currently these top DX/apps-c/micro 4/3rds in pro-ish bodies are all 20-24mp. The Fuji-film X2H is higher res but very slow and not stacked, whereas the X2HS is but much lower res. Sure Nikon could pick up a not stacked Dx sided sensor and put it with a shutter in a body — well that is the Z50. BUT the stacked sensor in the Z8/Z9 is what allows Nikon to use its dual path to feed the exposure and blackout free EVF/LCD. SO no another me too DX is not for me. It is time to move on… Nikon has to.
 
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I may be in a minority but I would rather crop after the fact unless there is an advantage to running in DX mode. For example if I could get 30 FPS in Raw then I might use DX mode. But why not several DX modes - DX12, DX 15 and perhaps even a DX 20 (1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 crop)

I would like the flexibility to switch format on the fly rather than be locked into a particular crop factor based upon the body.
 
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I loved my D500, but No - I’m not looking to buy a mirrorless Z DX body that can shoot like a Z9/8. I already own a Z50, which my wife uses most of the time, and I shoot with a Z9. My Z8 is on preorder.

Unlike DSLRs, switching to DX mode in a Z FX body gives a full EVF image. So, with a Z9/8 I can get a full DX view if and when I need to. This was not the case with a D850.

Now, my wife might be interested if Nikon brought out a Z50 sized body with a DX sensor capable of Z9/8 performance…
 
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Having been strictly a D500 shooter for 3 years, I thought I’d want a Z500 for the reach, but after using the 45MP of the Z9, I no longer have the need for a crop sensor. So no, I am not waiting for a DX sensor camera anymore.
 
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not anymore. at one point this would have been appealing, mostly for budgetary reasons (i had a d500), but at this point i would not actually buy such a camera, but again for personal reasons, with a z8 and z9, i have no role for such a camera

i do think a stacked sensor dx camera with all the new tech would be a hit however, and i do hope they will do that
 
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I was as a backup to my Z9 but to be honest I've changed my mind. The Z8 looks very appealing to me now. I have my record button on the Z9 set up to switch between FX/DX and it works so well I don't see a need to have a camera that only does DX any longer. I do get the need for one in your case and I'm sure it would be awesome!
 
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RichF said:
I may be in a minority but I would rather crop after the fact unless there is an advantage to running in DX mode. For example if I could get 30 FPS in Raw then I might use DX mode. But why not several DX modes - DX12, DX 15 and perhaps even a DX 20 (1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 crop)

I would like the flexibility to switch format on the fly rather than be locked into a particular crop factor based upon the body.
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The reason to use DX mode on the Z9 is not for cropping it's to help the AF system. Making a small subject that is a bit far to get AF recognition and lock, larger in the EVF significantly helps the AF system ID, acquire, and track. I'd much rather have a tack sharp 19.2mp image that a soft 45.7mp image.

If in FX and the subject is ok size, then edit away in post.
 
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I gave up waiting and went for a Fuji XH2S and use it in conjunction with my 300PF & 500PF, up to 40FPS of blackout free shooting raw files, not that I use above 30FPS. Very happy so far
 
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James C. said:
I've been watching a LOT of Nikon Z8 reviews in the past few days, and I am glad to see that a lot of the Z9 functionality is there in a slightly smaller/lighter/less expensive form factor.
However, I was hoping for a mirrorless APS-C (i.e., crop sensor) camera. A successor, specifically, to the tried and true bird photographer's camera, the D500.

Yes, I know that the Z9 has a DX mode, but not being someone who can afford a $15,000+, 600mm + 1.4TC lens, I need a camera that can help me get 750mm reach with my 500mm PF lens, right out of the gate. (Plus, $4,000 for a new camera body is still a little bit steep for me.)

Anyone else here hoping/waiting for a D500 mirrorless successor? And if so, do you think it will come out within the next two years?
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I've given up on the hope of Nikon releasing a DX mirrorless equivalent of the D500. In my case, I am using a Z50 - I wanted a small DX body for travel and it's fine for anything other than birds in flight. For me it does the job, but I am considering the Z8 because I can have the luxury of a full frame camera and put it in DX mode and have a D500 :)
 
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No! At this point, I see absolutely no use case for one. I moved on from APS-C as a high-performance format when I received my Z9...sold my D850 and D500 and have never looked back.

I originally bought the D500 in 2016 for frame rate and 4K video to augment my D800 for wildlife and motorsports. Was never really happy with the useability of the camera for video, but it got me started. Picked up the D850 as soon as it was available, sold the D800 and was quite happy having two bodies, the D500 with a long tele or long prime and the D850 with wide or mid-zoom or prime for special cases. Both bodies having essentially identical ergos made switching between them a non-issue.

The last year+ plus with the Z9 has had me a bit torn...I really miss having a second body with a different lens on it and identical ergos. I came close to grabbing a Z5 as a placeholder a few times when on sale or if I ran across a great deal used. I figured I could sell it later and not take a big hit. My intuition said, "be patient, the Z8 will be the camera you're waiting for!"...and it is, in every respect. The Z8 is, for me, the perfect high performance complement to the Z9...and the price was exactly where I expected/hoped it to be.

I've said many times over the last months that Z8 rumors have been swirling about that I want as much of the Z9 goodness that Nikon can cram into a D8550/D500 sized body that's priced around $4000 and damn if they didn't do it. Not one feature that I would really miss was taken out...and major one was added...the second USB port! Switching brands at this level is not something I will consider. As I've learned over my 70+ years, it's a usually lazy craftsman that blames his/her/its tools.

I realize that for many, making the jump from a $2000-$2500 price point is not an easy step, but I'm 73 and retired...and at this point, spending an extra $2K is not going to materially affect my quality of life for my remaining years. As for the size, I have no health issues (touch wood) and in that respect, I'm incredibly fortunate. I've always been the type to stay in shape, keep active and not shy away from doing things that might cause me discomfort due to exertion...that includes lugging around a Z9 and whatever lenses I might think I need out in the field. The old, "use it or lose it" adage, if you will. I would not want a smaller body for my "do-all" cameras, cramps the controls...I have larger than average hands and I don't enjoy having a pinky hanging off the grip.

All that said, my next request of Nikon is build me a Z50 II with IBIS and a newer processor so I can retire my D3200 travel kit.

Thank you Nikon!
 
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John Navitsky said:
otoh, i would totally buy a lower mp stacked sensor z8
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I had meant to add a comment about that, but I suspect Nikon isn't able to source one that meets their performance goals "at this time". To get to a 32MP DX sensor you get down to the pixel pitch of a 75MP FX sensor. A 24MP DX is around a 55MP FX equivalent pixel pitch. The 24MP might be close, but very unlikely a 32 or 33MP option is waiting in the wings already developed. It's time for some sort of new approach in terms of performance and/or cost structure. Might be more cost effective to sell more FX stacked sensors at a lower price than incur the development costs of lower volume DX stacked sensors...and make an even more aggressive move down in price/performance. Nikon has shown they are willing to be aggressive and innovative...one can hope.

By the way, Sony Semiconductor does have a very interesting new 2-layer Stacked BSI CMOS sensor that is showing up in one of their phones. It's a small device, but likely will migrate to MILC products, though manufacturability for larger sensors and timetable on that is not certain yet.
 
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Kenny88 said:
I find it unfortunate that Nikon comes out with a Z9 and a Z8, which both aren't 'cheap' by any means for the average person - it looks like it's Nikon business model to tailor the crowd that can afford such bodies.
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Yes, and judging by their financials, it's an excellent business model. I think the D500 was/is an outstanding camera but compared to what can be achieved now, there is no comparison. And as good as it was, that product was never a mainstream, high volume camera...it fit a niche. Nikon makes arguably the best entry level FF body, the Z5 and the Z50, ZFc and Z30 are no slouches at their price points, so they are not ALL about high-end.
 
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MotoPixel said:
I had meant to add a comment about that, but I suspect Nikon isn't able to source one that meets their performance goals "at this time". To get to a 32MP DX sensor you get down to the pixel pitch of a 75MP FX sensor. A 24MP DX is around a 55MP FX equivalent pixel pitch. The 24MP might be close, but very unlikely a 32 or 33MP option is waiting in the wings already developed. It's time for some sort of new approach in terms of performance and/or cost structure. Might be more cost effective to sell more FX stacked sensors at a lower price than incur the development costs of lower volume DX stacked sensors...and make an even more aggressive move down in price/performance. Nikon has shown they are willing to be aggressive and innovative...one can hope.

By the way, Sony Semiconductor does have a very interesting new 2-layer Stacked BSI CMOS sensor that is showing up in one of their phones. It's a small device, but likely will migrate to MILC products, though manufacturability for larger sensors and timetable on that is not certain yet.
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sorry i meant fx. like a z6ii
 
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If Nikon came out with a mirrorless D500, I might be in but it would have to have the Z9 AF, it would have to cost similar to the Canon R7, it would have to be more than 20mp and it would have to have the low light capabilities of the D500 at least. For some reason, I liked the the focusing better on the D500 than a crop mode of the D850 or cropping from a full frame D850. The image was closer and focus points were easier to place. It also allowed me to use less expensive 2.8 telephotos. So, yea, it might be worth it.
 
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I'm getting one, even if I'm in the minority on this forum. The way I see it, there is still a place for a D500 successor. But, as many have pointed out, the times are different now:
  • The mainly FX users who bought the D500 are not interested in a Z500 - The Z8/9 provides all the advantages and benefits that were once unique to the D500 against the FX DSLR bodies.
  • However, there are users who don't shoot FX and never went beyond the D500 - a different market segment from the one above. They are the market segment that would buy something like a Canon R7, which is quite well-received as far as I know and has no competition from Nikon. The lack of a D7000s series replacement in the current Z lineup means that a more premium APS-C body can effectively succeed both the D7500 and the D500.
 
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Kenny88 said:
I find it unfortunate that Nikon comes out with a Z9 and a Z8, which both aren't 'cheap' by any means for the average person - it looks like it's Nikon business model to tailor the crowd that can afford such bodies.
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Absolutely correct. Thom Hogan's on record that Nikon have considered such a high end DX MILC.

Theoretically, sensor yield is significantly higher at lower costs/ silicon wafer for the DX form factor. This is provided Nikon can port across the electronic shutter redesign in such a DX fab processing. The EXPEED7 and Z9 code are each a set unit cost, subject to volumes of sales, so the more Nikon sells the merrier.... if this tech is built into more cameras. The sensor is the most expensive component in the ensemble, hence the strategy we see in the makeup of the Z8 versus Zf.

A Z90 will:-
(1) Sell the Z9 technology to many who cannot afford a Z8, let alone Z9 but be bought into a high end Autofocus system for sports and outdoor photography. [Note the references to all generations of fans in Nikon's recent Investor Progress Report , appended]
(2). Sell more Z Nikkors
(3). Attract emerging photographers into the Z system, with the probability of growing into returning Nikon customers. [ That fan word applies here too]

A Z30 or Z5 have their roles, but entry level cameras apply higher up in the Z Ecosystem.... for the entry Wildlife photographer especially.... Confirmed by the D500

The Fuji x-h2s is nearly half the price of a Z8, yet it's stacked sensor.
A DX Z90 will attract many thousands of customers into the Z System - to boost Nikon's stated 2:1 Tie Ratio of higher lens sales.

This is especially if a high performance DX at $2500-2000 can be paired with the imminent 180-600, and there's already more affordable non S line Z-mount Nikkors eg 12-24, 24-200... Let alone all the F-mount glass to adapt with the FTZ.

Progress Report Z9 flagship Z8 50+ lenses firmware 31March 2023.jpg
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James C. said:
I've been watching a LOT of Nikon Z8 reviews in the past few days, and I am glad to see that a lot of the Z9 functionality is there in a slightly smaller/lighter/less expensive form factor.
However, I was hoping for a mirrorless APS-C (i.e., crop sensor) camera. A successor, specifically, to the tried and true bird photographer's camera, the D500.

Yes, I know that the Z9 has a DX mode, but not being someone who can afford a $15,000+, 600mm + 1.4TC lens, I need a camera that can help me get 750mm reach with my 500mm PF lens, right out of the gate. (Plus, $4,000 for a new camera body is still a little bit steep for me.)

Anyone else here hoping/waiting for a D500 mirrorless successor? And if so, do you think it will come out within the next two years?
Click to expand...
I've always wanted a pro DX camera in Z mount with 30+ MP...The only reason I want a DX is because I'm now in need of a back up to my Z9. Cost is the only factor (maybe also those extra pixels vs DX mode on Z9) as i don't want to spend so much for a back up body but I must admit the Z8 is darn tempting particularly the way they priced it. Im still not convinced about spending 4k for a back up body but that's most likely what I'll end up buying 😂
 
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thelordofthelight said:
I've always wanted a pro DX camera in Z mount with 30+ MP...The only reason I want a DX is because I'm now in need of a back up to my Z9. Cost is the only factor (maybe also those extra pixels vs DX mode on Z9) as i don't want to spend so much for a back up body but I must admit the Z8 is darn tempting particularly the way they priced it. Im still not convinced about spending 4k for a back up body but that's most likely what I'll end up buying 😂
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Consider a XH-2 / X-H2S with fringer?
 
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